Topical Bible: The Death of the Wicked: Korah

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Introduction

Korah, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is best known for his rebellion against Moses and Aaron, which ultimately led to his dramatic demise. This event is a significant illustration of divine judgment against rebellion and disobedience. The account of Korah's rebellion is primarily found in Numbers 16, with additional references in Numbers 26, Deuteronomy 11, and Jude 1.

Background

Korah was a Levite, a descendant of Kohath, and a cousin of Moses and Aaron. As a member of the tribe of Levi, Korah held a privileged position, responsible for the care of the tabernacle and its sacred objects. Despite this honor, Korah became discontented with his role and sought greater authority.

The Rebellion

Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. They accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the assembly of the Lord, questioning their leadership and divine appointment. Korah's challenge is recorded in Numbers 16:3 : "You have gone too far, for all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?"

Korah's rebellion attracted 250 prominent community leaders, who joined him in questioning the leadership of Moses and Aaron. This insurrection was not merely a political dispute but a spiritual rebellion against God's chosen leaders.

Divine Judgment

In response to the rebellion, Moses proposed a test to demonstrate whom the Lord had chosen. Each man was to take his censer and present it before the Lord. The following day, the Lord instructed Moses to separate the congregation from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Numbers 16:31-33 describes the dramatic judgment: "As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly."

The 250 men who had joined Korah in offering incense were consumed by fire from the Lord, as recorded in Numbers 16:35 : "And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense."

Aftermath and Legacy

The rebellion of Korah serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of challenging God's established order. In Numbers 26:10-11 , it is noted that the sons of Korah did not die, indicating that his lineage continued, and they later became significant contributors to the worship practices of Israel, as seen in the Psalms attributed to the sons of Korah.

The New Testament also references Korah's rebellion as a warning against false teachers and those who reject authority. Jude 1:11 states, "Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion."

Conclusion

The account of Korah's rebellion and subsequent death underscores the seriousness of rebellion against divine authority. It serves as a powerful example of the consequences of pride and disobedience, reminding believers of the importance of humility and submission to God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 16:32
And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained to Korah, and all their goods.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times.
... in which are torments, in which the wicked shall receive ... tell thou me, why is death
called death, and why ... For it is written that when Korah and his companions ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxii of death and the.htm

Death Swallowed up in victory
... said to have opened her mouth, and swallowed' up Korah and his ... Death and Satan are
swallowed up ... The wicked one shall never have access to touch or disturb them ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xliii death swallowed up.htm

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... For a single sin Korah and his company went down alive into the pit ... existed any belief
in a future life, it was held that at death the wicked either passed ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Will they not rather imitate Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's friends, even rail at me
for condemning him ... His wicked life, and fearful death, especially since ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Core, or Korah, [231]132, [232]140, [233]155, [234]400. Cornelius, [235]478. ...
[263]538. Death, of the righteous and wicked, [264]78, [265]79; is ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Psalm XLIV.
... in order to "understanding, for the sons of Korah." For we ... an intense horror of dying
by such a death: or had ... Saints at His right hand; of the wicked at His ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xliv.htm

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... sin," the act of "disobedience," which "brought death into the ... cup." "God is angry
with the wicked every day ... her mouth to swallow up alive Korah, Dathan, and ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/evans the fall and.htm

Psalm XLII.
... on Calvary, are called "the sons of Korah;" to them ... Why, that the wicked, when reprieved
here, are reserved ... of a certain person, he calls on death; [1264] that ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlii.htm

Epistle Lxvii. To the Clergy and People Abiding in Spain ...
... find to be manifested also in Numbers, when Korah, and Dathan ... the people either the
crimes of the wicked may be ... commit such things are worthy of death, not only ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxvii to the clergy.htm

Turn or Burn
... Many a saint has said on his death-bed, "Oh ... awarding the same need of praise to the
wicked and to ... open mouth of the earth which swallowed up Korah, Dathan, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/turn or burn.htm